St. Albert the Great Newman Center, which serves the student community and parishioners of New Mexico State University, will kick off its annual fundraising event, St. Albert’s Pachanga, on Saturday, Oct. 13, with El Paso’s Xplosion band at the Tortugas Pavilion, 3600 Calle Paroquia, in Tortugas.

The evening will start with a happy hour from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. followed by the dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. A cash bar, taco, nacho and salsa and chips bar will be open from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Dance tickets are $10 for singles and $15 for couples, according to a news release.

“This is our annual fundraiser that brings together students, parishioners and members of the community in an atmosphere of fun and fellowship while supporting and advancing activities and improvements and helping to meet expenses at St. Albert church," said the Rev. Alejandro Ureña, St. Albert’s pastor, in a news release.

On Sunday, Oct. 14, the opening Mariachi Mass is at 10:30 a.m. at St. Albert’s Newman Center, 2615 S. Solano Drive. The mass will be preceded by matachines at 10 a.m. in front of the church. The festivities will open at 9 a.m. at the Tortugas Pavilion with entertainment, a menu consisting of posole (served from 9 a.m. to noon), a brisket plate, gorditas, hamburgers, hot dogs, cold beverages including aguas frescas, and a Sweet Booth. A live auction is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the annual raffle drawing will take place at 5 p.m.

Entertainment on Sunday will begin at 10 a.m. with folkloric dancers Diamantes del Valle followed by Mariachi Aguilas. Trio Nuevo Mexico Lindo, Felipe Guzman Latin Jazz, DJ Cykloid and a local band directed by Barry Bennett. A variety of children and young adult games will be offered inside the Tortugas Hall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Cake Walk is also scheduled inside the hall area, as well as a Magic Show for the children; one at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.